Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 5/16/2009

Question
Hello, I am hope you can help me out with my questions. I enlisted in the USMC when I was 17 back in 2001. I arrived at MCRD San Diego to begin training and immediately failed my IST (initial strength test). I was in PCP (Physical Conditioning Platoon) and after 2 months I finally passed my IST. Within days of actually beginning my training I went UA (AWOL) for 2 weeks. I then came back to MCRD refused to train. I then got an Entry Level Separation with a Reentry Code of RE-3F.
Since then I attend college and got a BBA in Finance with Honors. I have worked in banking, mortgages and insurance for major financial institutions. After the mortgages crises I had to declare chapter 7 bankruptcy and received a full discharge of my debt. I had lost my job because my employer (WaMu) had gone under.  
I have a strong desire to return to military service. With my degree I would like the opportunity to become an officer. Since my teen years I have become a different person. I made lots of money and drove fancy cars in the past; however I am looking for something challenging AND meaningful.  I have a wife and have been married for about 4 years. My wife has always depended on me and now we want to start to have a family. We are willing to become a military family so we can foster a great environment for our family. I also want to prove to myself that I can be an honorable service member.
I know a face many obstacles in obtaining the opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the Army. My desire is so great that I am willing to work towards that goal with much effort. What advice or recommendations do you have so I can achieve this goal? What’s the best route? I spoke to a Recruiter over the phone but all they can tell me is I would need to get a waiver and my chances are slim. I don’t mind my chances being slim; however I need to know what to do to get there.

Thanks in advance,

Alex


Answer
Your problems are going to be twofold.. overcoming the reenlistment code and the actions leading up to it, as well as your financial situation.  All US Officers are required to maintain a security clearance and bankruptcies, criminal records, and other extenuating circumstances make that difficult to attain, but that's a problem for after you are allowed to join again.  You should make copies of your records and get recommendations from former employers, congressmen, anyone you can think of that will write nice things about you, and make a packet of that information.  You will need it to apply for the waiver.  Also, you should apply for both regular Army and National Guard/Reserve since they commission out of two different pots.  If you get accepted into the Guard/Reserve you can do a few years there and then try to move to the active side once they see you have a track record for honorable service.  If you get accepted for regular army, you're golden and can just start up.  Just remember the waiver process will be difficult because of your past service issues and you will need to get strong letters of recommendation and people on your side to mention how you've changed and matured and how you would be an asset to the Army as an officer.  Military officers that you may know are a great tool and resource as well.  Good luck.